sriram_m

I would say 'Prey' is the only spiritual successor to original and classic 'Predator (1987)', very close in sprit, yet it is more refined, unique in its own style. In fact, it is not spiritual successor. It is 5th instalment from official Predator franchise. I hate other sequels. They are inferior and poor. We have witnessed director Dan Trachtenberg's brilliance in '10 Cloverfield Lane'. He is more of a world cinema kinda director.

Most of us had grown watching Predator movie using VHS Tapes and VCDs, DVDs again and again. We have that nostalgic connection with the film. Prey is a feast for such people.

I recommend you to watch Comanche language version instead of English version. Sound of Comanche language is soothing to ears. It is so indigenous and organic. I can't bear indigenous people talking English, that too as fluently as native speakers. We saw that happened in 'Pathfinder' and '10000 BC'.

The film is technically brilliant and beautiful. Shot with love and passion. Action is precise, razer sharp and breath taking. Suspense is nail-biting. Scenery is picturesque. Atmosphere is rich with vivid colours of nature.

All you need is to watch it with good sound setup.

Produced by Wong Kar-wai and directed by sixth generation Chinese director Huo Jianqi (who previously directed Postmen in the Mountains (1999) and Naan(2003), "Xuan Zang" is the first Indo-Chinese co- production by the state-owned China Film Corporation and Eros International.

The story depicts the 17 years long legendary seventh century spiritual journey of Buddhist monk Xuan Zang (Hsüan-tsang), who dissatisfied with the translations of Buddhist texts available in china and wanted to collect originals from Nalanda, from China to India during the Tang dynasty and whose famous journey served as an inspiration for Chinese fantasy classic "Journey to The West."

Eyes are not enough to see the splendor of this masterpiece. Those picturesque and unseen Chinese landscapes are breath-taking. This lavish and high budget spiritual adventure epic is memorable and rare kind. A film must not miss.

This film was selected as the Chinese entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards but it was not nominated.

Can one fuse "Un Prophete (2009)" kind of realistic and artistic story telling with larger than life image of "Super Star" Rajani Kanth. Challenge is Pa.Ranjith have to harmonize totally two different and opposite shades and contrasts. Did he succeed? Yes. May intellectual screenplay of first half bothers masses, may some dramatized actions scenes of second half bothers Cinephiles/World Cinema lovers. Though certainly the film belongs to world cinema. How Pa.Ranjith handled super star in down to earth and realistic way is extremely risky thing. Fans always want to see Rajani Kanthi as super human. That aspect may disappoint some common audience. Simple introduction scene of Rajani Kanthi in jail tells Pa.Ranjith courageous commitment to realistic approach.

This film is powerful and touching with smooth and sensible emotions. World cinema lovers will enjoy it for sure. Pa.Ranjith gives hope to Indian cinema with his distinctive and artistic way of film making. Watching Super Star in "Un Prophete" kind of international quality filmmaking is pleasing to eyes and heart. People have to appreciate the transition of Indian mainstream cinema to world cinema arena.

Finally, does one need a story for Rajani Kanth? Actually, no, people don't need a story for Rajani Kanthi's film. He is enough with his powerful magic. People need a movie from him, not what kind of film it is. It doesn't matter. He is the "Super Star" of Asia. People do celebrate his films as a festival or carnival with great unconditioned joy and love.